1995 BMW 325 BMW engine will not turn over.

CPOSCH

MEMBER
1995 BMW 325
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
13,000 MILES

My battery was recently dead. I jumped the battery and it started fine. I noticed the fan belt beginning to squeek a little bit.

So, I decided to go into the house for 1/2 hour or so and just let the car idle and have the battery charge. 1/2 hour later, the car was "off" and the battery was dead.

I had the car on the street and someone said, "you had the car running for a while, right? It was running and then started making a really bad noise and shut off."

So, I tried rejumping the car. The battery seems to be charged fine (lights work etc etc etc). But, the car will not turn over - - its really struggling to even attempt to turn. NOTE: when I got back to the car after the person on the street said it shut off, I noticed a weird smell coming from the engine.

Any thoughts? Is the engine seized up? It's an old car and I am wondering what the problem is, if it even worth the repair (i never really ever drive it :-( .)

Thank you

5 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello
Thanks for the donation

When you try to start it does the engine crank over and over, or does it just click? The alternator may be faulty, which could be a reason for the noise before it shut off since the alternator is belt driven.

You say you smelled something. Sweet smell? Burning smell? Check your fluid levels. If coolant is low then refill and try to start again.

You can have your alternator tested for free at most auto part stores such as AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts.

Hope this helps.
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 6:27 PM

CPOSCH

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Thanks.

Well, the burning smell smelled like, kinda, say, when you jam on your breaks really hard on the road. It was from the front of the car, where the fan is. And alternator area.

I am wondering if the belt was loose and just wasnt charging the alternator and it was the belt noise that was making the bad noise (which I did NOT hear, someone else did), when the car shut off. When I arrived back at the car, the car was off, and battery was completely dead (after it had been running for a while).

If this is the case, do you think the battery is just completely dead, where it just isn't giving enough juice to start the car? Should I try a completely new battery first?

We tried jumping the car again, and the lights on the car were bright, but, it just wouldnt turn over. It sounded like it was trying to, but, the engine was makin, not a clicking noise, but a noise like it was having a really hard time turning the engine.

So, thats why im not sure if theres enough juice in the battery, or I froze the engine completely somehow?

Ughh

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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 7:58 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Engine isn't seized up I don't believe.

The smell you describe sounds like perhaps something has burnt up in one of the components. Starter or alternator are my two guesses, but if it is trying to crank then it wouldn't be the starter. The battery will keep dieing if the alternator is bad because the alt. Keeps it charged. So if the vehicle starts while the battery is charged, then it dies soon after, it is because the alternator is shot and the car is running purely from the volt supplies from the battery alone. Obviously, a battery cannot withstand that much voltage use, therefore it drains quickly, resulting in no fire afterwards. I suggest removing the alternator and having it bench tested (for free) at a local auto part store such as AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts. I believe the noise you heard (they heard?) Was the alternator components going kaput! Post your results of the alt. And I will follow up.

If you need help with removing the alternator just let me know and I will instruct you in the procedure.

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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 8:05 PM

CPOSCH

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Hi, so I got a new battery today. The car really sounds like it wants to start but its not. Its very close to turning over but it wont crank over.

I noticed one of the belts in the engine turning when we go to start the engine, with each crank of the engine, that belt turns. The belt that IS NOT turning is the one that's attached to the alternator - should that one be turning when I am trying to start my engine as well? If so, is the alternator frozen, or is it something to do with the water pump, do you think? . If its the alternator, I heard its not a big deal to fix yourself?
THANK YOU for your help

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Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 7:02 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Yes, the belt is supposed to turn while cranking. I suggest removing alternator and having it tested as previously stated. Removal is simple for experienced mechanics and do-it-yourselfers. However, I am uncertain of your experience with mechanical work. The hardest part about removing an alternator for an inexperienced individual is 1.) The belt removal/replacement 2.) Accessing all the bolts to remove the alt.

If you would like removal instructions for the alternator for your specific vehicle, just ask and you shall receive!

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